He’s now worthy of being called a top-four defenseman, even if he still might not be worth a top prospect, a top draft pick and a potential second draft pick.

After the Bruins’ Game 1 win over Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Final, Kaberle was a target of derision because of his terrible play and the absence of an effective power play in Boston. Two days later, on the eve of Game 2, he faced the masses and declared that he knew that he needed to be better.

Later that day, Julien didn’t threaten to bench or scratch Kaberle or ridicule him. He did what he always does — just ask Michael Ryder, Chris Kelly and Johnny Boychuk — with a struggling player who has a track record that tells him that player can perform better. He stuck with him. He talked about “working with Kaberle” to boost his confidence, as long as Kaberle took some initiative to improve his play.

The Bruins now stand with a 2-1 series lead. Kaberle finished with two assists in Game 2. But more impressive, he didn’t hit the score sheet in Game 3 and still you could see had an excellent game. The Bruins’ overall return to their defensive structure obviously helped matters. However, Kaberle was skating hard, getting in proper position in his own end and blocked three shots. He even threw a hit. Although he didn’t attempt a shot and the Bruins’ power play was kept off the board, he made some excellent passes and used some stick work to keep the puck alive and keep momentum rolling Boston’s way.

“I try to play my best every game. Obviously, like I said, not every game you’re going to feel the same,” said Kaberle today after an optional practice at the St. Pete Time Forum. “I feel way better the last few games. It’s important for me to get confidence back.”

It doesn’t hurt when you’re being nurtured by your head coach and his staff. Even at 33, an athlete requires encouragement. Most can’t perform under the stresses of criticism.

“It’s nice to hear from them. Obviously, they’ve been positive with me and it gives you confidence when the coach talks to you like that,” said Kaberle.

Some — especially in Toronto — might make jokes about this, but Julien noted today that Kaberle has seemingly relaxed over the last couple days. Luckily he hasn’t relaxed too much, but a less-stressed Kaberle has become a more effective player that gives the Lightning something else to worry about in their game plan.

“He’s passing. He’s more poised. He’s a little bit more aggressive. And he’s not sitting [back] on his heels,” said Julien. “And I think that’s made a big difference in his game. And we say it almost every day when we talk about players, it’s about confidence. That word “confidence” plays big.

“And whether he feels it from others or whether he plays with it, that makes a big difference in the players’ reaction.”

Consider Kaberle graduated from Julien’s school of confidence. The reward might be increased playing time and responsibility, and in turn more victories by the Bruins.

Kaberle is NOT a Bruins type defenseman ! ! ! he continues to shy away from hitting the opposition – he has NOT done zip for the powerplay ! ! ! if the Bruins resign this soft “over-the-hill” player, they should all be canned ! ! !

CJ deserves the credit. over many years I have watched other Bruins coaches with no patience with the ‘what have you done for me lately’ attitude destroy confidence in the players and the team. I can’t stand panic stricken coaches that micro manage the team the minute bad things happen. truly I admire CJ’s stubbornness and sticking with his guys, even if its to a fault.

Brian Burke must still be having a good laugh about unloading the soft Kaberle on the Bruins for some good prospects and draft picks. Neely must look at Cheerios-elli sometimes during the game and think what did you ever see in this Kaberle guy.

I am not saying Kaberle has been the star of the team, but I saw him do good things in that game-things he often screwed up.

But I really think having Bergeron back changed the team-all of them seemed a little more comfortable and a little more confident. Maybe they were tight in those first couple of games knowing Bergeron wasn’t there. Not sure, but the whole team had a pretty good game.

I also think Kaberle probably does play best with limited ice time-and that’s okay as long as the coach knows when he should and shouldn’t be on the ice and uses those limited minutes to the team’s advantage.

Chara, who I thought didn’t look so good in game 1 or 2 had an outstanding game. His poke on that two on one was a thing of beauty and a lot of defensemen with that reach wouldn’t have been able to do it.

Message of love from the coach. Let the players feel like we care about their individual success, share their struggle, encourage them…. Julien is playing his cards right. We have heard about the B’s wanting more stability behind the bench. I think we are looking at someone who has changed a lot with the way he trades with players ever since his dismissal from Jersey. Not as gritty as he once was…

He made some beautiful cross ice dump ins. Had a quick stick in a one on three in the corner. He got the puck around the net when using his body would have been useless. Sometimes a skilled stick gets overlooked. All in all he played a solid patient game. I agree with everyone. The D helped each other all night. That was a team shutout.

He was much, much better last night in terms of his physicality and positioning. Blocked a few shots, and battled way harder in the corners. Actually, I think that all 6 defensemen were solid last night, which was great to see, and the forwards supported them really well. Great team effort.

I think he had a good game last night, but then as a whole I think the team played pretty good team hockey.

Kaberle not only threw a hit, but he also did a nice job standing a puck carrier up at the blue line to get the other team offside and just making better decisions with the puck.

I am still not convinced Kaberle is comfortable with the Bruins or their system, and I think he looked like a deer in the headlights for game 1, but game 2 and especially game 3 he has looked more comfortable.